Plant growing device.

Abstract

The device for growing at least one plant comprising a head 1, roots 3 and a stem 2 which connects the roots to the head, comprises support means defining a first substantially horizontal plane, the plant being mounted in cooperation with these support means 4 so that the head 1 and the roots are located respectively on either side of the first plane, means for creating, in the space in which the roots are located, a fluid of a substrate nourishing the plant, and means for subjecting the roots 3 to an oscillating movement.

Description

Title of the invention: Device for growing plants. Field of invention

[0001] The present invention relates to devices for growing plants, in particular in a fluid medium loaded with nutrients to feed the plant.

[0002] Hydroponic, aeroponic or ultraponic cultivation devices are known which do without solid substrate by using a flow of water loaded with nutrients to feed the plant.

[0003] These techniques offer total control of the plant's nutritional intake and accelerated growth.

[0004] Compared to soil cultivation, they allow accelerated plant growth, mainly due to greater oxygenation of the roots. This effect is mainly observed in aeroponics and ultraponics with the emission of droplets whose numerous surfaces are loaded with oxygen and come into contact with the roots, allowing very rich root respiration.

[0005] But the present invention aims to achieve an improvement to these cultivation devices to significantly improve the growth of the plant.

[0006] More specifically, the present invention relates to a device for carrying out cultivation of at least one plant comprising a head, roots and a part which connects the roots to the head, the device comprising support means substantially defining a first substantially horizontal plane, the plant being mounted in cooperation with the support means so that the head and the roots are located respectively on either side of the first plane, and means for creating, in the space in which the roots are located, a fluid of a substrate nourishing the plant, characterized in that it further comprises means for subjecting the roots to an oscillatory movement.

[0007] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear during the following description given with reference to the attached drawings for illustrative but in no way limiting purposes, in which:

[0008] [Fig-1] [Fig. 1] represents a first embodiment of a plant cultivation device according to the invention,

[0009] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] represents a second embodiment of the device according to the invention,

[0010] [Fig.3], [Fig.3] represents a third embodiment of the device according to the invention,

[0011] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] represents an embodiment of an unassembled constituent element capable of being implemented in a device according to the invention,

[0012] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] represents the embodiment of the element according to [Fig.4], in its assembled configuration.

[0013] It is first of all specified that the figures illustrate embodiments of the object according to the invention, but that there may be others which meet the definition of this invention. Furthermore, in the figures, the same references designate the same elements, regardless of the figure in which they appear and regardless of the form of representation of these elements. Similarly, if elements are not specifically referenced in one of the figures, their references can be easily found by referring to another figure.

[0014] It is further specified that, when, according to the definition of the invention, the object of the invention comprises “at least one” element having a given function, the embodiment described may comprise several of these elements. Conversely, if the embodiment of the object according to the invention as illustrated comprises several elements of identical function and if, in the description, it is not specified that the object according to this invention must necessarily comprise a particular number of these elements, the object of the invention may be defined as comprising “at least one” of these elements.

[0015] It is also specified that when, in the present description, an expression defines on its own, without any specific particular mention concerning it, a set of structural characteristics, these characteristics may be taken, for the definition of the object of the protection requested, when this is technically possible, either separately, or in total and / or partial combination.

[0016] It is further specified that, in the present description, if the adverb "substantially" is associated with a qualifier of a given means, this qualifier must be understood in the strict or approximate sense.

[0017] The present invention relates to a device for carrying out a culture of at least one plant comprising a head 1, roots 3 and a part 2 which connects said roots to said head, this part 2 being generally called "stem", the device comprising support means 4 substantially defining a first substantially horizontal plane, said plant being mounted in cooperation with the support means so that the head 1 and the roots 3 are located respectively on either side of the first plane, and means for creating, in the space in which the roots are located, a fluid of a substrate, in particular a substrate mist, drowning / wetting at least in part only the roots to be able to nourish the plant.

[0018] According to an essential characteristic of the invention, the device further comprises means for subjecting the roots 3 to an oscillating movement.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment, the support means substantially defining a first substantially horizontal plane are constituted by at least one of the following elements: a plate substantially situated in a plane, the plant being able to be arranged in cooperation with this plate so that the part which connects the roots to the head is positioned in an orifice made in this plate; a link of which one end is linked to the plant and the other end is fixed at a point situated above the first plane so that only the roots plunge into the fluid medium.

[0020] According to another advantageous embodiment, the means for subjecting the roots to an oscillating movement are constituted by at least one of the following means: means for alternately creating two gas flows substantially in two opposite directions directed onto the roots; means for subjecting the support means to an oscillating movement; means for subjecting said support means to an oscillating movement in a direction making an angle other than a right angle with respect to said first plane; means for subjecting said roots to a step-by-step rotational movement, with substantially a stop between each step and / or a combination of at least two of the above means.

[0021] According to another advantageous embodiment, the support means are constituted by at least two parts 15, 16, each part having the shape of a comb having teeth 17 spaced from each other, means for fitting these two parts with each other in a direction not coincident with the teeth so that, between these teeth, a free space of substantially trapezoidal shape is created so that the plant passes into this space and is supported substantially by pinching at the level of the stem part 2 when these two parts are fitted together.

[0022] More specifically, with reference to Figures 1 to 5, the cultivation device comprises a cultivation tank 5 defining, within the meaning of the invention, namely the space in which the roots are located, on which a cover rests. On the latter, one or more plants will be inserted at the level of the stem 2, so that the aerial part 1 of the plant is outside the cultivation tank 5 and the root part 3 is inside the cultivation tank 5.

[0023] The roots are fed and hydrated by water or mineral-enriched water 6 which will be sprayed by a mist sprayer 7 onto the roots 3.

[0024] The plant consists of a leaf part 1, a root part 3 and a stem 2 connecting the leaf part 1 to the roots 3. A hole in the container can be used to insert a cutting which does not have a root but only leaves 2.

[0025] The device according to the invention for growing at least one plant further comprises means for subjecting the roots 3 to an oscillating movement.

[0026] For the purposes of the present description, by oscillatory movement of the roots, it is essentially understood a swinging movement of these roots in a solid angle of less than 180 degrees, the apex of which is substantially at the level of and / or located on the stem 2 and / or an alternating translational movement in a given direction passing through substantially a point located on the stem 2.

[0027] As an example of implementation, [Fig.l] shows schematically the oscillatory movement of the roots 3 initiated by a motor 13 which actuates a belt 12, itself attached to the cultivation device by one or more of the following elements: the cover, the cultivation tank 5, a cover-plant interface 8. The initiated movement induces the oscillation of the roots via the change of direction of the belts or the inertia induced by the stopping-starting of the motor.

[0028] Figures 2 and 3 show schematically the oscillatory movement of the roots 3 initiated by one or more flow generators 14 of the turbine or fan type, which will propel a liquid or gaseous fluid present in the reservoir 10 onto the roots 3. Several flows 9 can be activated alternately by means of an alternator 11, or by stopping and restarting the flow generators 14 on one or more flows 9.

[0029] [Fig.3] illustrates a support 8 allowing the plant to be held by the stem 2 on the cover while keeping the roots 3 inside the humid container 5, and the leaf part 1 outside.

[0030] This support 8 is made up of two combs 15 and 16, which can be fitted together and with the cover, allowing the plant to be inserted and removed from the cover without destroying the roots 3.

[0031] The growing container 5 and the cover ensure the integrity of the roots 3 by providing them with a humid surrounding environment. Water 6 is present at the bottom of the container 5, as well as a fluid mist 7 which will humidify the root environment in the form of a mist according to a defined cycle. The water 6 may be loaded with a liquid fertilizer which will ensure the nutrient supply necessary for the development of the plant. Rainwater 6 or water from the tap will ensure that the plant is maintained in its condition, with minimal growth.

[0032] The oscillatory movement of the roots 3 is exerted by means of a motor 13, 14 which will apply a force 9 directly or indirectly to the roots 3.

[0033] This motor 14 can be a fan which will move a flow of air 9 humidified using a mist 7 directed directly onto the roots 3. The mist 7 can be located in the cultivation device or in an external compartment 10 which will be connected to the water reserve of the device 6. This motor 14 can also be a turbine 14 which moves a flow of water directly onto the roots.

[0034] These devices induce an oscillatory movement of the roots if at least two flows 9 flow towards the roots but take different axes 9 and are exercised simultaneously using an alternator 11. A single axis 9 can also suffice by sending a sequenced flux 9 11, using the inertia of the roots 3 to establish a sequenced movement.

[0035] The oscillatory movement of the roots 3 can be obtained by indirect displacement, the motor 13, here presented as rotary, can actuate a belt 12 itself attached to the tray 5, to the cover or to the support 8 on which the plant rests. The motor 13 can be activated periodically in one direction then in the opposite direction generating a movement of the roots 3 in the chosen direction.

[0036] According to an advantageous embodiment, the support means 4 are constituted by at least two parts 15, 16, each part having the shape of a comb having teeth 17 spaced from each other, and means for fitting these two parts with each other in a direction not coincident with the teeth so that, between these teeth, a free space of substantially trapezoidal shape is created, so that the plant passes into this space and is supported by pinching at the level of the stem part 2 when these two parts are fitted together.

[0037] According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, at least part of the wall of the tray 5 is capable of letting ambient light pass through.

[0038] Thus, the tank 5, by having transparent or at least translucent walls, has the effect of illuminating the roots 3. These roots 3 naturally seek darkness to protect themselves from the sun's rays, but they will tend to grow more, and in all directions, to find a shaded area, thus increasing its development in addition to its oscillatory movement.

[0039] The induced stress will force the plant to increase the diameter and number of its roots, compared to growth without stress. This will induce a larger contact surface and higher nutrient absorption throughout the life of the plant, accelerating its growth according to an exponential model.

[0040] The mechanical movement will expel the water drops on contact, poor in oxygen, allowing the continuous renewal of richly oxygenated droplets.

Claims

Claims

1. Device for cultivating at least one plant comprising a head (1), roots (3) and a part (2) which connects said roots to said head, said device comprising: • support means (4) substantially defining a first substantially horizontal plane, said plant being mounted in cooperation with said support means so that said head (1) and said roots (3) are located respectively on either side of said first plane, and • means for creating, in the space in which said roots (3) are located, a fluid of a substrate at least partially drowning only said roots to be able to nourish said plant, characterized in that it further comprises means for subjecting said roots (3) to an oscillating movement and in that said space in which said roots (3) are located is defined by a tray (5),said tray comprising at least one wall part capable of letting ambient light pass through.,

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the support means (4) substantially defining a first substantially horizontal plane are constituted by at least one of the following elements: (i) a plate substantially located in a plane, said plant being able to be arranged in cooperation with said plate so that said part which connects said roots (3) to said head (1) is positioned in an orifice made in this plate; (ii) a link, one end of which is linked to said plant and the other end is fixed at a point located above said first plane, so that only the roots (3) plunge into said fluid medium.

3. Device according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the means for subjecting said roots (3) to an oscillating movement are constituted by at least one of the following means: (i) means for alternately creating two gas flows (9) substantially in two opposite directions directed onto the roots; (ii) means for subjecting said support means to an oscillating movement;

4. (iii) means for subjecting said support means to an oscillating movement in a direction forming an angle other than a right angle with respect to said first plane; (iv) means for subjecting said roots (3) to a step-by-step rotational movement, with substantially a stop between each step; (v) a combination of at least two of means (i) to (iv). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said support means (8) is constituted by at least two parts (15, 16), each part having the shape of a comb having teeth (17) spaced from each other, means for fitting these two parts together in a direction not coincident with said teeth (17) so that, between said teeth (17), a free space of substantially trapezoidal shape is created for said plant to pass through this space and to support it by pinching at the level of said part (2) when these two parts are fitted together.

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